10 Side Hustles For UK University Students | EssaysUK
Do you know? According to a survey in 2025, approximately 40% of Brits have a side hustle, helping them to generate £210 per week, equating to £914 monthly. University life in the UK is very exciting and dynamic; however, it can also be very expensive due to global financial fluctuations and increasing demands. However, side hustles can help students overcome their money problems without impacting their studies.
Whether you want to pay your tuition fees, accommodation, or meals in the UK, you require significant money. So, if you’re a student planning to save money, pay down debt, or fund your occasional adventures, we have compiled the top 10 side hustles for UK university students. Explore these side hustles, learn them efficiently, and make sure you have a remarkable student life filled with immense financial freedom.
What Are Side Hustles?
Side hustles are defined as secondary jobs or activities that people do to make additional income, potentially pursue personal interests, and gain new skills. They are not like full-time jobs; they are additional projects done on a part-time or freelance basis while holding a primary job. Whether you’re a student or working in the corporate sector, side hustles are an efficient means of generating extra wealth quickly.
The best thing about side hustles is that they are not done at a particular time or place like a full-time job. In fact, they offer flexibility in terms of hours and work arrangements. Individuals can effortlessly choose side hustles that best fit their time and energy levels. Common examples of side hustles are freelance writing, online tutoring, web design, virtual assistants, and social media management.
Importance of Side Hustles For University Students
When pursued alongside academic studies, side hustles or part-time ventures hold significant value for university students. They exponentially help them get financially independent and enhance their lifestyle and well-being long before their degrees or dissertations end. Moreover, when students engage in side hustles, they no longer remain a financial burden to their parents, increasing a sense of self-reliance and individuality. Here are the five key benefits of side hustles for university students:
The best advantage of side hustles for university students is the financial benefits. They allow them to generate income to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and refreshment costs. Moreover, they help them learn to manage their finances through budgeting, saving, and investing skills.
Side hustles also foster skill development in university students. When students pursue hands-on exposure in fields related to their studies, it not only enhances their resumes but also improves their skills. Moreover, they develop necessary life skills, such as time management, communication, and entrepreneurial abilities.
Networking and Opportunities
Side hustles enable students to meet and collaborate with various professional individuals, enhancing their networking and connections. When students have industry contacts, mentors, and collaborators on their phone, they can potentially lead to various internships and job opportunities.
Side hustles also significantly help students in their personal growth. When students take initiative in a side hustle, they are likely to build confidence, resilience, and self-reliance. Moreover, they also guide them to reveal hidden talents or interests that can remarkably shape future career paths.
Side hustles also provide students with an employability edge, as they offer standout credentials that demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a proactive mindset. Moreover, they get to combine their academic knowledge with practical applications, appealing to recruiters in competitive job markets.
Top Ten Side Hustles For University Students in the UK
Above, we have discussed the importance of side hustles. Now, we’re going to discuss 10 side hustles for UK university students one by one. Some of these hustles are very easy to master; however, some require training for a specific duration. They will significantly help students overcome their financial restrictions and spend their student lives more freely and vibrantly. The top ten side hustles for university students in the UK are given below:
Freelance Writing and Editing
Freelance writing and editing involve writing blog posts, articles, and web content for multiple clients. If you’re a journalism, English, or Marketing student with a knack for words, freelance writing and editing is the perfect choice for you. The fun thing about this side hustle is that you don’t need to leave your residential premises. All you need is a good system and internet to write, edit, and proofread.
Many UK-based clients, such as marketing agencies, blogs, and publications, require content writers and academic writers to work with them and earn money. You can begin your freelance writing journey by signing up on platforms like Fiverr and Upwork. Offer services according to your area of expertise. Create a strong portfolio with samples. Moreover, editing and proofreading services also efficiently cater to students’ needs.
Tutoring (Online or In-Person)
Tutoring is also an efficient way for university students in the UK to earn money. Students who are high achievers or have strong subject knowledge must pursue tutoring and inspire students efficiently. Students face various challenges in subjects like maths, science, and English. Due to this, they require private or online tutors to overcome their academic challenges.
You can start your tutoring journey by joining UK platforms like MyTutor and Tutorful. Promote your services on campus or community notice boards. Moreover, offer trial sessions or discounts for students to showcase your service quality.
If you’re crazy about driving bikes or scooters, delivery services are an ideal side hustle for you. Restaurants, companies, and e-commerce businesses require an efficient delivery team to complete the customers’ buying journey. So, if you are living in urban areas of the UK and have your own bike or scooter, delivery services can be a great way to earn while staying fit.
You can join prominent food delivery services like Deliveroo, Uber Eats, and Just Eat because they offer students immense freedom and flexibility. The requirements to pursue delivery services are proof of right to work in the UK, a smartphone, your own vehicle, background checks, and a clean record.
Reselling Clothes or Books
If you’re a fashion-savvy or a bookworm student, reselling clothes and books is also an effective side hustle to generate income. Reselling isn’t just a remarkable way to earn money but also a sustainable way to declutter without wasting goods. So, if you have vintage finds, old textbooks, novels, or unused clothes, start your reselling journey immediately. The main platforms for reselling clothes and books in the UK are:
Clothes: Depop, Vinted, Ebay, and ASOS
Books: Ziffit, Amazon, and Facebook
Take high-quality photos and write honest descriptions of the items that you want to resell. Moreover, avail yourself of professional fashion assignment help to get well-written academic papers.
Another excellent side hustle for university students in the UK is being a student brand ambassador. UK companies targeting student products and services are always on the lookout for outgoing students with social media presence or large campus networks to be their brand ambassadors. A student brand ambassador is supposed to promote the company’s product or service, host events, and create engaging content.
So, if you also have immense followers or a vibrant social life, a student brand ambassador is the perfect side hustle for you. Regularly analyse your reach and impressions. Enhancing your engagement can help you land bigger gigs related to brand ambassadors. Popular brands for starting your journey as a student brand ambassador are Red Bull, ASOS, RateMyPlacement, and Spotify.
Remote Customer Support or Virtual Assistant
If you’re an organised student with good communication skills, remote customer support and virtual assistant are ideal side hustles for you. They not only help you earn money but also enhance your skill set for future benefits. In the UK, customer support and virtual assistant roles are tremendously booming because various businesses outsource people to perform and support their tasks.
A remote customer support or virtual assistant is supposed to manage emails and bookings, as well as handle live chat inquiries. To find remote jobs in the related domain, you can explore platforms like We Work Remotely, Indeed, WorkFrom, Time Etc, and Belay. Some businesses may require these services on weekdays and some on weekends.
Graphic Design and Digital Art
Graphic design and digital art are also outstanding ways for students in the UK to earn money. These are the primary options for students enrolled in art, media, and design programmes. However, students who are art and design enthusiasts can also pursue this side hustle. Businesses in the UK need help with visual branding in the form of flyers, logos, thumbnails, and social media posts.
You can successfully showcase your graphic design and digital artwork on platforms like Behance, Instagram, and TikTok. Moreover, Fiverr and Gumroad are excellent options for seeking related work and projects.
Photography and Event Coverage
If you love snapping photos and have an eye for detail, photography is an excellent side hustle in the UK. Many student societies in universities require expert photographers to take consistent and high-quality shots. Moreover, they pay a necessary amount to support those photographers. You must have a DSLR or mirrorless camera to start photography as your side hustle.
However, if you have one, offer your services to student events, grad shoots, and club nights. You can also make your photography portfolio and share it on Instagram or your website. Meanwhile, the photography assignment writers provide excellent papers, reports, and dissertations.
Affiliate Marketing or Blogging
Affiliate marketing and blogging are also remarkable side hustles for students in the UK. They are best for consistent content creators or niche experts. So, if you have a blog, YouTube channel, or YouTube following, you can effortlessly earn money through affiliate links and brand partnerships. All you must do is recommend products and services to the targeted audience and get a cut of each sale.
To start your affiliate marketing or blogging journey, choose a specific niche that efficiently connects with students, such as budget living, tech gadgets, or good study habits. Popular UK-friendly affiliate platforms are Awin, Skimlinks, Amazon Associates, and UniDays.
If you’re an animal lover and have extra time after your classes, pet sitting and walking are ideal side hustles for you. When pet owners go to their offices and workplaces, they want someone to take care of them efficiently. So, they hire reliable and trustworthy personnel who walk their pets and tend them efficiently. It’s an extremely fun and relaxing way of earning money while playing with cats and dogs.
You can find pet sitting and walking gigs on platforms like Rover, Tailster, and Care.com. You can also explore through social media or WhatsApp community groups. Moreover, you can visit vet clinics to get information on clients.
Get Professional Support For Stress-Free Side Hustles
When students engage in side hustles or money-earning activities, they hardly get time to work on their classwork, homework, tasks, and projects. Due to this, they fear that they might miss their deadlines and won’t meet their academic requirements. So, if you also have such fear, don’t worry. You can get professional coursework writing services to get assignments, essays, and papers right on time.
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